Y'all-itics

President Donald Trump wants Republicans to gain five additional Congressional seats in Texas. And it appears the GOP will stop at nothing to carve out those seats for him, a battle that will rage during the special legislative session that begins July 21. In this episode of Y’all-itics, our insiders discuss the risk associated with a mid-decade redraw and which lawmakers might be left without a seat once the music stops in this game of political musical chairs. Guests Abby Livingston, Puck Reporter Alfredo Rodriguez III, Founder/President Dyce Communications

On this episode, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt lays out one idea to keep Texans safe during flash floods, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher takes questions on Democratic options in the upcoming redistricting, and state Sen. Nathan Johnson on his campaign for Texas Attorney General.

In the July 13 episode, State Rep. Mihaela Plesa explains why she’s concerned about the expanded special session. Renowned Texas meteorologist Troy Kimmel has a candid conversation about forecasters’ role leading up to the deadly Texas flooding. And Congressman Keith Self on why he voted for the tax and spending bill despite criticizing it up until the very end. Guests State Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-District 70 Troy Kimmel, Texas Meteorologist U.S. Rep. Keith Self, R-3rd District

Still reeling from the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, state and local leaders are scrambling to come with a plan to prevent it from ever happening again. That starts with an examination of what went wrong. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, we discuss the next steps. Renowned meteorologist Troy Kimmel has a candid conversation about the forecast preceding the deadly flooding, and the warnings that followed. And WFAA anchor Chris Lawrence explains what he saw firsthand on the ground, and the spirit of Texans helping Texans. Guests Troy Kimmel, Texas Meteorologist Chris Lawrence, WFAA Anchor

Estimates show Texas needs an extra 300,000+ housing units. To spur construction, the state just took away significant regulatory power from Texas cities. The passage of SB 840 will make it much easier for developers to bypass local restrictions and neighborhood objections when they create new housing out of empty office buildings, dying malls, or land that had been off-limits for residential construction. How will cities respond? And what's about to happen in your neighborhood? An apartment developer and an expert in urban economics & growth predict what comes next. Guests Barrett Linburg, Co-Founder/Savoy Equity Partners Cullum Clark, Ph.D., Director/Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

In the June 29 episode, state Rep. Gene Wu questions why Texas would treat marijuana different than any other controlled substance. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales explains how a south Texas facility producing sterile flies will help protect Texas livestock. And Fort Bend County Judge KP George tells us why he thinks he has a path to victory after his controversial switch from Democrat to Republican. Guests State Rep. Gene Wu, D-District 137 U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-23rd District KP George, R- Fort Bend County Judge

In the July 6 episode, Attorney Aaron Reitz explains why he’s running for Attorney General. Former state Senator Don Huffines tells us why he wants to be Texas Comptroller. And former Houston Mayor Annise Parker on why she wants to return to office after nearly a decade. Guests Aaron Reitz, (R) Candidate for Attorney General Don Huffines, (R) Candidate for Texas Comptroller Annise Parker, (D) Candidate for Harris County Judge

After six months of tumultuous change inside Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, from eliminating bag fees and open seating to talk of European flights and partnerships with other international carriers, CEO Bob Jordan promised the airline would keep evolving. “We won't stop here,” Jordan told the Jasons on this episode, “we're gonna keep changing." GUEST: Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines CEO

In the June 22 episode, Kelly Hancock explains the political calculation behind leaving the Texas Senate for the Comptroller’s office. State Rep. Mitch Little, R-District 65, tells us why he supports a major redistricting effort and whether he’s running for Attorney General. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District, on where she stands on Iran and how she’s helping Texans find jobs.

EARLY RELEASE: You might not know his name and likely have trouble pronouncing it, but you’d better get to know Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. He has led some landmark legal cases from college sports to concert tickets. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court just ruled in his favor with a precedent setting decision that bans gender affirming care for minors. In a recent trip to Texas, Skrmetti stopped by the Y’all-itics studio to see the Jasons, defend his work and make a ruling on Texas or Tennessee BBQ. Guest: Jonathan Skrmetti / Tennessee Attorney General

On the June 15 episode, former Congressman Colin Allred, a Dallas Democrat, tells ITP that he is close to making a decision on whether to run for U.S. Senate. But what would be different about a 2026 campaign than the one he ran last year against Ted Cruz? Plus, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defends the legislature's THC ban as Gov. Abbott faces political pressure to veto it this week. Patrick also reveals two more issues he wants lawmakers to tackle - to make Texas more affordable. And colleagues called her relentless in the legislature. State Rep. Aicha Davis - a freshman and a Democrat - got 15 bills passed – 11 going to the governor. Guests Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick / R-Texas Former U.S. Congressman Colin Allred / D-Dallas State Rep. Aicha Davis / D-DeSoto

There’s a lot in play politically as we go into the summer. Will the legislature’s THC ban become law or get vetoed this month? Will Texas lawmakers come back for a special session next month at the request of President Trump? Every Texas legislature has gotten more conservative than the past. In this episode, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick discusses his priorities that passed, pushback and what he’s coming back for next session. GUEST: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R-Texas

Now that the 89th Texas Legislative Session is over in Texas, the Y’all-itics team decided to revisit a report that ranked the Lone Star State DEAD LAST in personal freedom. In this rewind episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons were joined by Dr. William Ruger, a Texas native himself, who prepares the “Freedom in the 50 States” report for the Cato Institute. This episode originally aired on January 7, 2024. “Freedom in the 50 States” 2023 report| Cato Institute: https://www.freedominthe50states.org/ Guest William Ruger, CATO Institute

Keeping the lights on in Texas already ain’t cheap. Now, you can expect another surcharge on your electric bill. Four years after a severe winter storm nearly led to the total collapse of the Texas grid, the state is now allowing transmission utilities to produce plans to “harden” their equipment against a hodgepodge of threats like tree limbs, stronger storms, wildfires, and even hackers and substation saboteurs. The Jasons go to the headquarters of the largest utility in Texas to get details on the first resilience plan to be filed with the state… a $3 billion blueprint. How will it keep your lights on? And how will it be paid for? Guest Brian Lloyd, VP of Regulatory Policy for Oncor

Texas’ explosive population growth is putting immense pressure on the state’s largest cities and metropolitan areas. If you’re one of the nine out of 10 Texans who live in or visit these cities, you’ve likely already dealt firsthand with some of the challenges. Nearly 200 researchers and business leaders produced a plan to build better cities in the future. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by one of the lead researchers for the “Texas Metropolitan Blueprint” who explains why they took it to lawmakers in Austin and what’s at stake if those same lawmakers do nothing. Guest Steven Pedigo, Faculty Director/LBJ Urban Lab at The University of Texas at Austin

It’s not officially a campaign but Beto O’Rourke is touring the state and talking to Texans again. So, is he preparing to launch a new campaign in 2026? In our conversation with him, we couldn’t help but notice that it sounds like he’s moving more towards the middle now. Guest Beto O’Rourke, Former U.S. Congressman, D-El Paso

The Trump Administration’s budget cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have meteorologists and forecasters sounding the alarm about the impact on public safety. Some former NWS directors even warn that more cuts could lead to unnecessary deaths during severe weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons share a pint with renowned Texas meteorologist Troy Kimmel who told them he thinks the cuts are already impacting safety. Guest Troy Kimmel, Meteorologist

More and more Americans are considering decamping from the USA and moving overseas… permanently. And a former Texas resident is leading the way. We first introduced you to Jana Lynn Sanchez last November when she announced she was leaving Fort Worth to move to The Netherlands after Donald Trump’s re-election. Nearly six months later, her new company, GTFO Tours, is, literally, helping people “GTFO” out of the country. Sanchez joined the Jasons to explain how it all works, and who is best suited for relocation. * Warning: this episode contains adult language Guest Jana Lynn Sanchez, Texas Expatriate

You can be sued for sharing thoughts, opinions, or even facts. But Texas law protects you against frivolous lawsuits meant to intimidate you into shutting up. However, a proposed bill now threatens to weaken that protection. That has united some odd bedfellows to save the law. Spoiler alert: At the end of this podcast, the staggering legal fees one lawmaker is owed after he was sued and invoked this very law. Our guest is Laura Lee Prather, a Texas attorney and fierce free speech advocate now leading the charge to protect a law that's now in jeopardy. Guest: Laura Lee Prather, Attorney/Partner/Chair of Media Law Practice Group, Haynes Boone

In only three months, he accomplished something none of his predecessors could: pushing school vouchers across the finish line. But in a rare sit-down interview, House Speaker Dustin Burrows told us it isn’t even the most important bill they’ve passed this session (5:08). Across the aisle, the leader of House Democrats says even though vouchers are now state law, his party still has a strategy to fight them (24:17). With school choice in the rearview mirror, both leaders join us on this episode of Y’all-itics to discuss what’s next for Texas. Guests Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston

The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the oldest such chamber in the country, is on high alert tracking the status of four bills lawmakers are considering in Austin. From diverting public transportation funding to eliminating DEI programs, the organization says the legislation could devastate Black and other minority-businesses, as well as entire communities if passed. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Harrison Blair explains to the Jasons why throwing briskets, not bombs, could be the key to stopping these bills. Guest Harrison Blair, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President & CEO

Mark Cuban is free to talk – and he has a lot to say. From Luka Doncic to his growing new venture to lower prescription drug costs for Americans, Cuban discussed it all with WFAA’s Jonah Javad. Will Cuban enter politics? Jonah told the Jasons its doubtful – after something Cuban said to him. GUEST: Jonah Javad, WFAA Sports Anchor Mark Cuban

It might be the toughest job in Texas politics, leading the state Democratic Party. Kendall Scudder is the new chair, and after his first week on the job with little sleep, he’s looking to reinvent the party across the state, especially “rural” Texas where Democrats have struggled for decades. Don’t know who Kendall Scudder is? After listening to this episode of Y’all-itics, you will. The new leader of Texas Democrats is already on the clock, and he has a pint with the Jasons at Oak Highlands Brewery to explain his vision. Guest Kendall Scudder, Texas Democratic Party Chair

Ordinary Americans. Extraordinary action. The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas is finally open and telling the stories behind the recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor on the battlefield. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the museum’s President and CEO Christopher Cassidy, and Medal of Honor recipient Retired Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha explain how some of these soldiers became American heroes and why the museum is so special for the nation… and Texas. National Medal of Honor Museum: https://mohmuseum.org Guests Christopher Cassidy, National Medal of Honor Museum President/CEO Retired SSG Clinton Romesha, Medal of Honor Recipient

What happens in America – does not stay in America. For 80-years, Europe has relied on the U.S. like a big brother to keep the bullies at bay. On this episode of Y’all-itics, two German television correspondents join the Jasons to explain what outsiders think about American politics today and why it should matter to us. Plus, what would happen if the United States left NATO or the United Nations. But Germany is also experiencing a rise in the political right. The similarities between our countries is more than you might imagine. Guests: Victoria Enzenauer / RTL Frankfurt Daniel Frevel / ARD Hamburg

In Uvalde, it’s not an anniversary, it is a mark. And the three year mark of the city’s darkest hour is May 24, 2025. The publisher of the Uvalde Leader News started a journal the day after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School to serve as a daily calendar of what really happened, and he’s turned that journal into a book. Craig Garnett says while it may appear the community has gotten better, you can still find plenty of anxiety and grief just below the surface. Garnett also explains why the tragedy is not just the deaths, but also the institutional failures in the community, and how its ripple effect still impacts residents on a daily basis. Guest Craig Garnett, Author of “Uvalde’s Darkest Hour”

Assembly lines could grind to a halt. Prices for everything from cars to cantaloupes are at risk of rising. President Trump's trade war with Mexico and Canada will hit your wallet. But is there any benefit for Texans? Will it cause folks to buy local? A Republican mayor and a veteran logistics expert on the southern border tell the Jasons how just the threat of tariffs will affect the state's chugging economy. GUESTS: Mayor Jim Ross, Arlington, Texas Jorge Torres, Founder and President of Interlink Trade Services

Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot says the federal government is practicing shock and awe on the American people through mass firings, “deferred resignations,” and the freezing of federal grants. And he called Y’all-itics to issue a warning. Creuzot argues that the shrinking federal government could lead to rising crime in his county and across Texas. And in this episode, he explains to the Jasons how his office has reduced crime and launched successful crimefighting initiatives with the millions in federal grants it receives. Guest John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney' Location Community Beer Co. 3110 Commonwealth Dr, Dallas, TX 75247

It definitely doesn't have a catchy name: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But our guest this week says, "if you're returning almost $20 billion to ordinary people, you've got to be doing something right". In the past several years, dissatisfied and frustrated Texas consumers have comprised the most---or second most---number of people turning to the CFPB for help taking on 'Big Finance'. But now the agency they counted on is itself in danger under Trump 2.0. UT-Austin Banking, Financial, Commercial and Corporate Law Professor Angela Littwin previously wrote an opinion column about saving the CFPB when its survival was threatened before. She joins us to talk about what its demise would mean for Texans. Guest Angela K. Littwin Charles Sapp Chair in Banking, Financial, Commercial and Corporate Law Professor

Many Superintendents in Texas say lawmakers need to spend less time on making sure schools are safe on the outside, and more time on legislation making schools safer on the inside. In fact, they argue a 30-year-old law that’s now 140-pages long is making classrooms more dangerous. And they’re asking lawmakers to give them more leeway on how they discipline students. Wylie ISD Superintendent Dr. David Vinson explains the ask in this episode of Y’all-itics, joining the Jasons inside Wylie High School’s student-run cafeteria, The 544 Café. Guest Dr. David Vinson, Wylie ISD Superintendent

The Trump Administration wants Mexico and Canada to stop the illegal flow of the deadly drug fentanyl into America. But those countries say America has blood on its hands, too, and it must stop the illegal flow of U.S. firearms in the other direction. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons have a pint with WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter Rebecca Lopez to discuss her recent investigation into the U.S. gun smuggling causing havoc and violence in Canada and Mexico and how the countries are working together – and often against each other - to stem the tide. Guest Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter (link to her investigation: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/investigates/us-firearms-smuggling-fuels-canada-gun-violence-crisis/287-11ebf9ae-6e11-4557-b6c6-f4902d4c016e)

A recent report ranked Texas as the third most dangerous state for wildfires, behind only California and Colorado. Or, as the new deputy director of the Texas A&M Forest Service tells us, there’s some “nook or cranny” in the state that’s always burning. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, Wes Moorehead explains why the risk has grown exponentially in recent years, closing in on our backyards, and why they’re asking lawmakers to tap into the surplus for more planes, people and local preparation. Guest Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director

From crops to the tap, Texas is running out of water. In northeast Texas, one proposed solution is the Marvin Nichols reservoir. But it’s led to a years-long battle with local landowners and critics say it would crush the east Texas timber industry. Even the state Senator leading Texas’ efforts to tackle the water crisis calls it “eminent domain purgatory.” But the Republican unveils a never before heard solution to the standoff in this episode of Y’all-itics. And the Jasons sit down with WFAA reporter Matt Houston to discuss his ongoing coverage as part of WFAA’s new “Boomtown” franchise. GUESTS Matt Houston, WFAA Reporter State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock

49 Democrats in the Texas House just helped elect a Republican Speaker, their leader says without any political horse-trading. Seen as a setback to the far right, the result changes the calculus inside the Capitol. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the Lieutenant Governor and the new leader of Texas House Democrats explain how, and what it means for Texans. Guests Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, R-Texas State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston

They don't even have the keys to their Capitol offices yet, or access to the computer system to file bills. But two incoming Texas Representatives have lofty goals. One is pushing for a total ban on abortion and penalties for women who end their pregnancies. The other aims to strengthen public schools and stop the Republican march toward a private school voucher system. But they both agree that the first battle of picking a new House Speaker is a horse race and that Democrats, long in the minority here, will have outsized influence in choosing a winner. How that goes will impact what does, and doesn't, get done in this once-every-two-years legislative session. GUESTS Representative-elect Brent Money, R-Greenville Representative-elect Aicha Davis, D-DeSoto

Tim O’Hare, the unapologetic conservative leader of Tarrant County, has cut $58M from the budget without any layoffs during the first half of his term. What’s planned for the next two years? What didn’t he expect about this job? And what do folks get wrong about him? Judge O’Hare is our guest this episode. Guest Judge Tim O’Hare, Tarrant County

He was the first president ever born in a hospital. With pride, Jimmy Carter recounts how the U.S. military never fired a bullet, dropped a bomb or launched a missile on his watch. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for being the first to broker peace in the Middle East. The late U.S. President Carter represents the end of an era – when a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia could ascend to the most powerful position in the world. Crippling inflation destroyed his chances for re-election in 1980. But Jimmy Carter might be best remembered for what he did after his presidency, rather than his one-term in the White House. In this candid 2014 interview, just after his 90th birthday, Carter put down his toolbox at a Habitat for Humanity worksite in Dallas to have a conversation with Jason Whitely about his life, legacy, and politics. GUEST: Former President Jimmy Carter in 2014

In 2025, most Texans will no longer have to have their vehicles inspected. But in a development that surprises exactly no one, Texans will still pay the fee. The state actually sponsored a study that said those inspections were not only highly effective, but should likely be expanded. That study’s author says he’s surprised lawmakers dumped the program, and in this episode of Y’all-itics, he tells the Jasons why. And you’ll notice we said “most” Texans. Find out why drivers in 17 counties are still facing an annual exam. Guest Dr. Michael Murphy, University of Texas at Austin

It is the episode you’ve been waiting for, when the Y’all-itics team discusses the best and worst of politics in 2024. Who gets a cheer? Who gets a jeer? And who gets a beer? In this special holiday edition, the Jasons are joined by WFAA political producer Berna Dean Steptoe and Fort Worth Star Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy. Guests Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram

It’s been open for nearly two decades, with thousands passing through its doors. Though you’ve likely never heard of it, this small courtroom in Houston is having a big impact on homelessness by helping folks get out from under Class C misdemeanors. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the man who supervises the city of Houston’s homeless court tells the Jasons why those criminal charges can often keep the homeless from the very things they need to get off the streets and why it’s important that those who find themselves before the judge are called clients, not defendants. Guest Scot More, Houston Homeless Court Administrator

A cruise sounds like the perfect getaway, right? How about for 3 years? It could be the perfect escape from American politics. Texan Joe Rhodes did just that, but he still had to vote. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons shared a pint with him at Three Nations Brewing in Carrollton, where they learned it hasn’t all been smooth sailing (pun intended). Guest Joe Rhodes, Cruise Ship Resident

President-elect Trump is proposing steep tariffs on our North America trading partners. Those extra levies would be passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices on everything from clothing to food to cars. But the bigger price would be to the economies of all countries involved, says Waco-based economist Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group. He has crunched the numbers for governments, huge companies, and public policymakers. Perryman ran the tariff numbers for Y'all-itics and shares the staggering results that include a significant shrinking of the economy and tremendous job losses if the tariff's Trump is threatening actually materialize. Guest: Dr. Ray Perryman, President & CEO-The Perryman Group

At some point over the past four years, you’ve likely heard about Shelley Luther. Her defiant stance against COVID shutdown orders launched a movement. But everything came to an abrupt stop when a brain aneurysm nearly took her life. Now a Representative-elect heading to Austin, don’t expect her to back down from anything… or anyone. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the GOP firebrand sits down with the Jasons at Tupps Brewery in McKinney, Texas to set the record straight and fill in the blanks about her story that’s played out in front of TV cameras for the last four years. Guest Representative-elect Shelly Luther, R-Sherman

You’ve long heard about people wanting to leave the country after someone they disagree with becomes President. The sentiment could be as old as the Republic itself. But in this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll hear from a self-described “mouthy liberal” who’s actually doing it. In fact, the Jasons sit down with her inside her own home that’s now on the market. ** Warning: this podcast contains language some may find offensive ** Guest Jana Lynn Sanchez, Democratic Activist

To the victor belong the spoils. Texas Republicans won big and we’re starting to get a sense of their priorities. At the top of the list is school choice… and they now have the votes. The border will remain a top issue… and they now have “a great friend in the White House.” But what about casino gambling? Or another property tax cut? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who runs the Senate, explains how school choice will work, how big another property tax cut might be and whether you should be placing any bets on casino gambling. Guest Dan Patrick, (R) Texas Lieutenant Governor

Other than, perhaps, Senator Ted Cruz’s margin of victory over Colin Allred, there were no real election surprises in Texas. Republicans won big. Democrats are once again searching for answers. And school vouchers are closer than ever to becoming a reality. In this election night episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons and our panel of political experts break down what the vote means for you, and the future of Texas. Guests Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer

You’ve heard the headlines: billionaire newspaper owners pulling their presidential endorsements in the eleventh hour. Those controversial decisions got us thinking here at Y’all-itics, so in this early release episode we ask whether newspaper endorsements even matter. The Jasons sit down with William McKenzie, the Senior Editorial Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute and a Pulitzer Prize winning editorial columnist, and Bud Kennedy, himself an icon of Texas journalism and a member of the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s editorial board. Guests William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram Editorial Board

The threats are real. So, for the first time, elections offices in Texas and across the country are preparing for worst case scenario situations: from panic buttons, to tabletop exercises, to learning de-escalation techniques. Votebeat Editorial Director Jessica Huseman joins the Jasons to pull the curtain back on preparing for potential violence during and after the election. Guest Jessica Huseman, Votebeat editorial director

Jane Nelson rarely gives interviews. But for years she has been one of the most influential state leaders in Texas. In this special release Y’all-itics, Nelson answers questions on election misinformation, suing for citizenship records and the state's new plan for keeping voter rolls clean. WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre scored the rare exclusive and joins the Jasons with highlights. Guests Cynthia Izaguirre, WFAA Anchor Jane Nelson, Texas Secretary of State

Can you honestly say Austin is still ‘weird’? Many now say it’s unaffordable with terrible traffic and a skyline that keeps ascending. Has all of that destroyed what made the city such a cool, hip place? Austin has had cultural booms and busts before. But can it recover from the explosive growth it’s experiencing now? The Jasons shared a beer with Author Alex Hannaford, an Austinite for 20 years who just released a book titled Lost In Austin, documenting where the capitol city went wrong – and what it can do to salvage what made it so special. GUEST Alex Hannaford, Author